Geological Oceanography

This group conducts local and international research on a variety of topics. Research illuminates sedimentary processes in all manner of open-ocean
and near-shore environments, ranging from coastal plains and river
floodplains, through estuaries, and across the continental margin to
the base of the continental rise. Although much of our effort addresses questions in Chesapeake Bay and surrounding areas, federal funding supports research in many other areas of the U.S. and the world, generating generic knowledge about geological phenomena in the coastal ocean.

Research Areas

Major focal areas include:

sediment transport and boundary layer processes;

sediment flux and fate;

seabed dynamics;

shoreline erosion/sand resource issues; and

Quarternary stratigraphic development.

Interdisciplinary research efforts involve faculty from other departments at VIMS, as well as collegues from other institutions worldwide.

Funding

Research is conducted with funding from a variety of federal, state, and private sources including the National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, Sea Grant, and the Minerals Management Service.